Kings continue road trip in the Big Easy

NEW ORLEANS, LA - The New Orleans Pelicans snapped an eight-game losing
streak last time out and will try to build momentum Tuesday night when they
host the Sacramento Kings at New Orleans Arena.

Anthony Davis had 20 of his 27 points in the second half to go along with 10
rebounds as the Pelicans defeated the Grizzlies, 95-92, on Monday, in Memphis.

Memphis' Marc Gasol split a pair of free throws with 29.9 seconds remaining to
pull the Grizzlies within 95-92. Memphis elected to play out the ensuing
Pelicans possession instead of fouling. Brian Roberts missed a jumper with the
shot clock running down, but Eric Gordon pulled down the offensive rebound to
seal the outcome.

"You can't get wins like this if you don't have big-time character and tough
guys in your locker room," Pelicans coach Monty Williams said. "The way we
battled tonight says a lot about our assistant coaches and those guys. They
just rally around each other."

Tyreke Evans netted 11 of his 15 points in the fourth for the Pelicans.
Roberts finished with 13, followed by 12 from Gordon and 10 out of Alexis
Ajinca.

It was a great win for the Pelicans, who are still without Ryan Anderson
(herniated disc in back), Jrue Holiday (right tibia) and Jason Smith (right
knee).

The Kings have lost two straight on this six-game road trip, starting with a
heartbreaking one-point loss in Memphis and followed by a 15-point drubbing
Sunday in Oklahoma City.

The 108-93 loss spoiled a career-high 38 points by Isaiah Thomas, who hit 12-
of-13 from the stripe in the setback. DeMarcus Cousins added 16 points and 14
rebounds as the Kings fell to 1-3 on their current trip.

Sacramento's 20 turnovers led to 34 Thunder points.

"We just have to do a better job of valuing the basketball," said Sacramento
head coach Mike Malone. "On the road, you can't beat yourself and your
opponent in the same game, it's impossible."

Jason Thompson also registered a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Rudy Gay only managed six points and starting shooting guard Marcus Thornton
was held scoreless.

The Kings still have to visit Houston on Wednesday.

The Pelicans bested the Kings in Sacramento on Dec. 23 and have taken four of
the last five meetings between the two teams. The Kings have lost eight of
their last nine as the visitor in this series.